Trinidad Beaches
I intend to eventually have a picture from each beach - but sadly, I haven't been able to go to the beaches lately - and when I do, I go to Maracas - my personal favorite. I'll list some of the main beaches here until I can give you some pics!
Maracas Bay: As I said, a personal favorite! It's the most popular beach in the North and can be accessed by the Saddle Road through
Maraval or by the Saddle Road from San Juan through Santa Cruz, and again onto the North Coast Road. It is about 30-45 minutes from
Port of Spain, and about an hour from San Fernando (your time may vary!). The beach is about 1.9 km long and has off white sand. Waves are an
average height of 1.0 m. and are ideal for surfing. Safety needs are met through the use of red flags indicating unsafe bathing areas and the
presence of life guards daily from 10 am-6 pm.
Facilities are well maintained and include a large car park, tables, benches, changing rooms
with showers, toilets and lockers. Above the Bay there is a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy the scenery. For those who wish to stay a
little longer, the Timberline Nature Resort, located just off the 'look out' provides accommodation and tours within the area. There's also
the Maracas Beach Hotel that is right on the beach, and has a bar and restaraunt attached. Rates as of 14 May 2002 for the latter are
approximately $70-$100 per night at the hotel.
And if you don't try a Kingfish & Bake or Shark & Bake, you're missing out!
Las Cuevas: Right next to Maracas Bay is this other popular beach. The name "Las Cuevas" is derived from the Spanish word for caves
- there are many caves on this beach. It is more sheltered than Maracas and is therefore much calmer; the water is clear and provides excellent
swimming.
Unfortunately, the service facilities located at the top of the cliffs. They are well maintained and include a snack bar, car park,
tables and changing rooms with showers and toilets. Lifeguard services are provided between 10am-6pm, just like Maracas.
Tyrico Bay: On the other side (East) of Maracas Bay is this 0.9km long beach of fine grayish brown sand. Like Maracas it offers good waves and sun bathing with waves reaching almost 1 metre. It is also popular for overnight camping and is just 45 minutes away from Port of Spain. A life guard service is provided from 11 am to 5 pm daily (please note the difference from Las Cuevas and Maracas!). Port-a-Potties and a parking area are available.
Manzanilla Bay: Located on the East Coast along the East Coast Road, it can be reached via Sangre Gande and the Manzanilla-Mayaro Road. 4km of brownish grey fine sand permits sunbathing, while lifeguards on duty within a marked area provide safe swimming. Service facilities including a car park, snack bar, picnic tables, changing rooms with showers and toilets. (1.5 hrs. from P.O.S.)
There are many other beaches, but these are the ones that I personally recommend.
Tobago Beaches
To be honest, I haven't been to Tobago in quite a while, and because of that I can't/won't personally recommend any of them, though these beaches are considered better than any of the beaches on Trinidad. When some of my friends come down, I'll have an excuse to go, and will update this information with my own personal recommendations. I have only listed two; there are quite a few more!
Pigeon Point: this beach is on the leeward side of Tobago, and is perhaps the island's best.1.6km of white sand, Swimming is ideal in these calm waters, and the famous Buccoo Reef is just a boat's throw away! Restaurant, bathroom and changing facilities, sporting and shopping facilities are available at the privately owned resort (I hear that a new hotel has been opened nearby). Lifeguards are only available upon request.
Store Bay: This beach is only 200 m long with a hotel nearby. This is the site of the Great Race, which is one of Tobago's most exciting events. Swimming is ideal here, and you can also get to Buccoo Reef from here. Lifeguards are on duty, but I have no idea of the times . Changing rooms with showers and toilets are available.
Further Notes
Sunscreen, and water (though it is tempting to sample the local drinks, be careful!), both of which are available locally though sunscreen is not available at the beaches.
Common sense guidelines for safety and security apply.
I suggest having a map on hand as well. Local maps are available, and people will typically help you out when you are lost. However, if you want a general idea of where things are before you come down (maybe to help you plan ahead), you may want this book:
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